How to Replace a Ceiling Light

These directions apply generally to all ceiling-mounted fixtures. Having a helper on a second ladder makes this job a lot easier.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ceiling Lights
• Ladders
• Slotted Screwdrivers
• Wire Nuts
• Wire Strippers
• Ladders
• Wire Nuts
• Wire Strippers

1. Turn off the power to the light at the main circuit breaker or fuse box.

2. Remove all the screws securing the old fixture to the ceiling. Use a screwdriver and hold the fixture from the bottom as you work.

3. Lower the light a few inches to expose the wires, then unscrew the wire nuts connecting the wires coming out of the wall to the old light.

4. Set the old light aside.

5. Remove 1/2 inch of insulation from the wire ends of the new fixture with a wire stripper.

6. Lift the fixture into place and, using wire nuts, splice together the new fixture's neutral (white or gray) wires and the incoming neutral wires, and the fixture's and incoming hot wires (any color except green, white or gray).

7. Join the fixture to the grounding wires in the box if it also has a grounding wire (green or bare copper).

8. Tug on the wires to make sure all connections are secure.

9. Tuck the wires into the ceiling box and screw on the new light. If the new light's mounting holes don't match up with those of the old one, you may have to drill new holes.

10. Turn the power back on at the main circuit breaker or fuse box.

Tips & Warnings

• To make sure you shut off power to the proper circuit before working on the fixture, turn on the old light before shutting off power to the circuit. If the light is still on after you remove a fuse or switch off a circuit breaker, you've shut off the wrong circuit.
• It's also a good idea to indicate with a note on the breaker box that you are working with the electrical system.
• Always shut off power to a circuit before doing any electrical work on it.
• If you are unsure about your abilities or about any aspect of the project, call an electrician.
• If you have someone helping you, use two ladders - it isn't safe for two people to stand on one ladder.

[check]

on 6/8/2008 i need to know how to reconnect the wires of a fan that was connected to a ceiling box that was powered by to light switches

[swhiteford]

on 2/12/2007 I reinstalled a ceiling light yesterday and none of the wires were color coded. The wire to the light fixture is a simple two wire cord. The receiveing wires in the ceiling box had no color...the ground was apparent. The light seems to be burning hot. What would cause that??? Please advise.

[swhiteford]

on 2/5/2007 I reinstalled a ceiling light yesterday and none of the wires were color coded. The wire to the light fixture is a simple two wire cord. The receiveing wires in the ceiling box had no color...the ground was apparent. The light seems to be burning hot. What would cause that??? Please advise.

[Gerard]

on 9/21/2007 I've followed your directions and the light works, unfortunately it won't turn off. The light is on whether the switch is up or down, what do I do?

[jeepcherokee3]

on 12/22/2006 I just want to install the base of the light fixture. How do i do that? the wires and bulb are already in place.